Real Salt Lake: Tradition, Growth, and the Heart of Utah Soccer

Real Salt Lake: Tradition, Growth, and the Heart of Utah Soccer

Real Salt Lake, commonly known as RSL, has carved out a unique place in Major League Soccer (MLS) since its founding in 2004. As the first top-tier professional soccer team in Utah, RSL introduced a global sport to a state primarily known for basketball, skiing, and outdoor adventure. The club was the brainchild of Dave Checketts, a sports entrepreneur who envisioned Salt Lake City as a soccer hub capable of competing on the national and international stage.

The team’s debut season came in 2005, and though the early years were marked by struggles on the field, RSL quickly developed a passionate and loyal fan base. Their name, “Real,” pays homage to Spanish soccer traditions, particularly clubs like Real Madrid. This decision was met with mixed reactions at first, but over time, the name became synonymous with Utah soccer pride. The “Salt Lake” portion firmly rooted the club in its community, bridging European influence with American identity.

Real Salt Lake’s early seasons were filled with growing pains, including coaching changes and roster turnovers. However, under the guidance of head coach Jason Kreis, who took over in 2007, the team’s fortunes shifted dramatically. Kreis brought a focus on teamwork, possession-based play, and tactical discipline, establishing a soccer identity that differentiated RSL from other MLS clubs.

The pinnacle of this approach came in 2009 when RSL captured its first—and so far only—MLS Cup. The victory was historic, as the club defeated the heavily favored LA Galaxy on penalties in Seattle. This triumph marked the arrival of RSL as a true competitor and elevated the team’s status within the league. Beyond the title, RSL became known for its “team is the star” philosophy, emphasizing collective effort rather than individual brilliance.

Trivia: Real Salt Lake’s 2009 MLS Cup win made them the first expansion team of the 2000s era to claim a league championship, cementing their role as pioneers of competitive balance in modern MLS.

Real Salt Lake: Rivalries

Every successful club in MLS is defined by its rivalries, and RSL is no exception. The fiercest and most emotionally charged of these is the Rocky Mountain Cup against the Colorado Rapids. Since the competition’s inception in 2005, the annual battle has embodied regional pride. Both Utah and Colorado fans see these games as more than soccer matches—they are cultural clashes representing neighboring states with similar outdoor-focused lifestyles.

The Rocky Mountain Cup is not merely symbolic. It has often carried playoff implications and showcased some of RSL’s most iconic victories. RSL has historically dominated the rivalry, lifting the cup far more often than the Rapids, and fans relish this supremacy. Matches are physical, passionate, and frequently unpredictable, with dramatic goals and late-game heroics shaping the competition’s legacy.

Another significant rivalry exists with LA Galaxy, stemming from the 2009 MLS Cup final. The upset victory by RSL created a lasting tension, with Galaxy fans often viewing RSL as a thorn in their side despite the disparity in overall trophy hauls. Games between these two clubs often draw extra attention, as fans recall the defining championship moment.

RSL has also cultivated competitive rivalries with Seattle Sounders FC and Portland Timbers. These encounters are defined by playoff clashes and the passionate support cultures of all three clubs. Seattle and Portland, with their established fan traditions, often bring out the best in RSL, whose own supporters have shown they can match the energy of any fanbase in the league.

Trivia: The first Rocky Mountain Cup was awarded in 2005, just months after RSL’s debut season, making it one of the earliest formalized rivalries for a new MLS franchise.

Real Salt Lake: Ownership

Ownership has played a crucial role in RSL’s evolution. The club was founded by Dave Checketts and SCP Worldwide, who guided the team through its formative years, including the opening of Rio Tinto Stadium (now America First Field). Checketts’ vision ensured that RSL had a permanent, soccer-specific home, which was critical for long-term growth.

In 2013, Dell Loy Hansen, a Utah businessman and real estate magnate, acquired majority control of the team. Hansen invested heavily in facilities, including the Zions Bank Real Academy in Herriman, a world-class training complex that houses both RSL’s first team and academy programs. While his investments helped elevate the club’s infrastructure, Hansen’s tenure was marred by controversy. Allegations of inappropriate comments and workplace culture issues led to significant scrutiny, culminating in his decision to sell the club in 2020.

The sale brought new life to the franchise. In 2022, RSL was officially purchased by a group led by David Blitzer, co-owner of Crystal Palace in the English Premier League, and Ryan Smith, owner of the NBA’s Utah Jazz. This ownership group has brought both financial stability and global expertise, raising expectations for RSL’s competitiveness on and off the field. Their goal has been to modernize the team’s operations, expand international partnerships, and secure RSL’s long-term future as a flagship MLS club.

Trivia: RSL’s current co-owner, David Blitzer, is the only investor with stakes in clubs across all five major European leagues, giving RSL unprecedented access to scouting and collaboration opportunities.

Watch Real Salt Lake

RSL’s home, America First Field, is located in Sandy, Utah, a suburb just south of Salt Lake City. Opened in 2008 as Rio Tinto Stadium, it was one of the most advanced soccer-specific venues in the league at the time. With a capacity of around 20,000, the stadium provides an intimate yet electrifying atmosphere. Its design emphasizes clear sightlines and closeness to the pitch, ensuring fans feel engaged in every play.

The stadium is nestled against the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, providing a unique and picturesque setting that distinguishes it from most MLS venues. Matches at America First Field often feature breathtaking views, particularly at sunset, giving RSL one of the most scenic home environments in professional sports.

The venue is not just a soccer stadium; it has hosted U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team matches, international friendlies, and major concerts. Over the years, it has developed a reputation as a fortress for RSL, with the team regularly posting strong home records. The stadium’s acoustics amplify supporter chants, making it one of the loudest venues in the league.

The south end of the stadium is home to the most passionate RSL supporters, who bring energy, flags, tifos, and constant noise. This “wall of sound” is a defining part of the RSL experience, intimidating opponents and energizing the home side.

Trivia: America First Field was the first soccer-specific stadium in MLS to feature both real grass and a heated pitch system, allowing RSL to play matches year-round despite Utah’s snowy winters.

Real Salt Lake: This Season

The 2025 MLS season has been pivotal for Real Salt Lake as the club continues to blend veteran leadership with emerging talent. Under head coach Pablo Mastroeni, RSL has embraced a balanced tactical approach, mixing pragmatic defensive organization with bursts of attacking creativity. Mastroeni, himself a former Colorado Rapids legend, has leaned into RSL’s tradition of team-oriented play, ensuring no single player overshadows the collective.

Key players include a versatile midfield core capable of controlling possession and dictating tempo. A dynamic forward line, supported by academy products and international signings, provides the attacking spark. Defensively, RSL relies on a mix of experience and youthful energy, ensuring adaptability against varied opponents.

The 2025 campaign has seen RSL firmly in playoff contention, with the club targeting both MLS Cup qualification and a deep run in the U.S. Open Cup. Fans have rallied behind the squad’s resilience, particularly in high-stakes matches against rivals. The blend of homegrown players and seasoned internationals has given the team both local identity and global flair.

Trivia: RSL remains one of the few MLS clubs to have reached the final of the CONCACAF Champions League (2011), showcasing their international pedigree despite not securing the trophy.

Real Salt Lake: What to Follow

Looking ahead, several storylines define Real Salt Lake’s future trajectory. First, the role of the Zions Bank Real Academy cannot be overstated. As one of the premier development facilities in North America, it serves as a pipeline for young talent, ensuring that RSL remains competitive while staying true to its philosophy of local development. Fans will watch closely as academy graduates transition into first-team regulars.

Second, the new ownership’s ambitions point toward greater international collaboration. With David Blitzer’s global network, RSL is positioned to attract international prospects, arrange meaningful loan deals, and benefit from cross-club scouting systems. This could elevate the team’s quality while exposing young players to diverse soccer cultures.

Third, maintaining America First Field as one of the most iconic stadiums in MLS will remain a priority. Investments in fan engagement, technological upgrades, and matchday experiences will ensure that attending an RSL game remains one of the top sporting experiences in Utah.

Finally, RSL’s identity as a community-driven club will continue to shape its brand. The club has long emphasized outreach programs, local initiatives, and strong ties to Utah’s diverse population. This grassroots approach, combined with competitive ambition, ensures that Real Salt Lake remains more than a soccer team—it is a cultural institution for the region.

Trivia: RSL’s slogan, “As One,” embodies the club’s long-standing philosophy of unity, emphasizing collective strength over individual stardom.